Switch



July 28, 1925. 1,547,947

L. D. NELSON SWITCH Filed Oct. 26, 1922 Len/As 0. /l e/do/7 latented July 28, 19 25.

UNITED STATES 1,547,947 PATENT OFFICE.

LEWIS D. NELSON, OF QOLDWATER, MICHIGAN.

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Application filed October 26, 1922. Serial No. 597,026.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, Lnwrs D. NELSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Goldwater, county or Branch, State of .Michigan, have invented certain new and which is simple and economical in structure g, and very strong and. durable.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of construction'and operation will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow. I

I accomplish the objects of my-invention by the devices and means described in the following specification. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

,A structure which is apreferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated 1n the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig.1 is a plan view of the steering wheel of an automobile with my improved switch mounted thereon, portions of the wheel being broken away for convenience in illustration.

Fig. II is an enlarged detail view, partially in section, on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of Figs: III and IV. V v

Fig. III is a horizontal section on a line corresponding to line 33 of Fig; II,.the position ofthe switch block relative to the parts shown in this figure being indicated by dotted lines. a Fig. IV is a detail view,.partially 1n sectioh, on a line corresponding to line 4-4 of Fig. II.

Referring to the drawing, 1 represents the rim of a steerin wheel of conventional type and 2 the spo es thereof. My improved switch comprises a cupped top casing member 3 and a cupped bottom casing member 4, the casing members being disposed edge to edge and secured by rivets 5.

The bottom casing member 4: is shouldered grasping the steering at 6 to support the insulating disk or plate 7 and provides a chamber 8 below the plate for the electrical connections 9, the bottom of the bottom casing member having a hole therein provided with an insulating sleeve 10 for the cable 11. The fixed plug-like contact members 12 are disposed through the plate 7 at one side thereof. Above the plate and pivotally supported thereon by the post ,13 is a switch block 14 having a recess 15 on its under side. The spring contact 16 is mounted in this recess by means of the screw 17 to coact with the contacts 12 which have curved recesses at their upper ends to receive the spherically curved end 18 of the spring contact 16. A recess 19 is provided by the contacts 12, the contacts 16 engaging with this recess for holding the switch in neutral position.

The plate 7 has a bore 20 therein communicating with the chamber 8 to accommodate,

the electrical connections for the contact 16. The top casing member has a slot 21 at one side thereof through which the handle 22 of the switch block projects, the handle being of such length that it may be manipulated by the operator grasping the rim of the wheel when the casing is secured upon a spoke of the wheel as by means of the clamp 23 which is secured in position by means of the screws 24;

My improved switch is well adapted for use in controlling the headlights of automobiles, the parts are simple and economical to produce and assemble, and the structure is very strong and durable.

Having .thus described my inventlon what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is v 1 1. In a switch, the combination of a casing comprising cupped top and bottom casing members disposed edge to edge, the top casing member having a slot at one side thereof and being provided with a clamp for securing the casing to the spoke of a steering wheel, the bottom member having an annular shoulder, a pivot post disposed through said casing members, an insulating plate disposed upon said shoulder in said bottom casing member providing a chamber below the plate for the electrical connec tions, spaced contact plugs disposed through said insulating plate, a switch block of insulating material pivoted on said post to rest on said plate, said block being recessed on its under side, a spring contact secured in said recess to coact with said contact plugs, said spring contact constituting a detent Tor holding said switch block in its casing is attache tions, spaced contact adjusted positions, said plate having a bore open to said chamber accommodating the electrical connections for said spring contact, and a handle foisaid switch block disposed through said casing, slot in position to be manipulated by the operator rasping the rim of the steering wheel to w ic'h the 2. In a switch, the combination of a cas- ,ing comprising cupped top and" bottom casin said recess to coact with saidpcontact plugs, said spring contact constituting a detent for holding said switch block in its adjusted positions, said plate having a. bore open to said chamber accommodating the electrical connections for said sprlng contact, and a handle for said switch block disposed through said casing slot.

,3. In a switch, the combination of a casing comprising cupped top and bottom casing members disposed edge to edge, the top casing member having a slot at one side thereof and being provided with a clamp for securing the casing to the spoke of a steering Wheel, a pivot post carried by said casing members, an insulating plate disposed in said bottom casing member, spaced contact plugs disposed through said insulating plate,

a a switch block of insulating material pivoted on said post to rest on said plate, said block being recessed on its under side, a contact secured in said recess to coact with-said contact plugs, and a handle for said switch block disposed through said casing slot in position to be manipulated by the o erator grasping the rim of the steering W eel to which the casing is attached.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seaL' LEWIS D. NELSON.' 1,. s.] 

